On the northern coast of Crete lies Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel, a beautiful seaside retreat in an extraordinary setting. Beautiful crystal clear sea, panoramic views of the bay, cosy coves, a relaxing spa and an amazing kids club….yes this place has it all.
Overlooking the Bay of Elounda, Mirabello Bay and the Aegean Sea, the resort itself consists of Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort, the Elounda Mare Hotel and, where we were lucky enough to stay, the Elounda Peninsula All Suite Resort. We arrived very late at night to our amazing room which was a split level suite. And it wasn’t until the next morning that my daughter and I could see the stunning views and our very own pool!
My entire stay was one of pure relaxation, which, with a child in tow is pretty rare! My daughter’s mission was to try out the Six Senses Kids experience which is all part of the Ark kids club. Generally we are not a family that uses kids clubs but my daughter could literally not get enough of the place! The club itself has an indoor and outdoor play area and two supervised pools featuring fun waterslides. But it really comes into its own with the Six Senses Wellness & Lifestyle Experience, which aims to get children involved in the world of wellness through engaging & interactive activities. My daughter did a yoga class, had a mini spa treatment (she had her feet washed and then used an olive oil and sugar scrub on her feet and legs), and also took part in a botanical treasure hunt, where she picked herbs, and then made bread and placed the herbs in it. Also on offer through the kids club is The Arsenal Soccer School Camp, for kids aged 5-16 where they can learn new ball skills, plus they can learn to dance with lessons on offer from the internationally-acclaimed choreographer Fokas Evaggelinos who leads the judging panel on the Greek Dancing With The Stars!
So what did I get up to whilst my daughter was having so much fun in the kids club?! It was tough but I made use of the relaxing and serene Six Senses Spa facilities. The design of the spa is incredible, split across two floors with beautiful lighting, water features and stunning views. I had the most pampering and stress reducing massage and afterwards enjoyed winding down in the relaxation room whilst sipping a soothing green tea.
When it comes to eating at Elounda- you really are spoilt for choice. At lunchtime we ate in the Oddysseas restaurant- which serves traditional Greek cuisine. Located right next to the water the kids loved to watch the fish swim (and feed them). We also enjoyed a traditional Cretan night of entertainment and food in the Playada square. For a really special meal The Old Mill, is a fine dining restaurant set around an ancient millstone, in a blooming garden over the waters, with an astounding menu and wine list. And Koh offers Pan-Asian cuisine in the most magnificent setting- nestled into the caves with a glass bottom floor so you are literally right on top of the lapping waves.
The whole stay from the accommodation through to the food, kids club and exceptional staff was truly spectacular. My daughter is keen to go back again, as am I! There is something very special about Elounda- and it should be added to your ‘Must Do’ holiday list!
We travelled to Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel with Sovereign Holidays. Sovereign (www.sovereign.com, 01293 762 003) is currently offering a 20% early booking discount for holidays to the luxury Elounda Peninsula next summer. A seven night holiday starts from £1235 per person with a saving of £505 per couple. The price includes return flights from London Gatwick with British Airways, airport lounge access, private return transfers and seven nights b&b at the five star Elounda Peninsula that’s part of its Family Collection of hotels, based on departures 28 April 2017.